10-Day Scotland Itinerary (Pre-Planned By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Map | Getting Around | FAQs | Get Printable Version

Want to go to Scotland but don’t know where to start? I’ve got you covered. I’m a Scot and I’ve created the best 10-day itinerary for your trip.

This jam-packed itinerary will bring you to some of the best places to visit in Scotland, highlighting everything from historic cities to Highland adventures. Remember, you can always customise the itinerary to best suit you. 

Now, let’s dive into an incredible experience. 

10-Day Scotland Itinerary

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

Day 1 – Explore Edinburgh’s Historic Heart

🛎️ Where to Stay: The Scotsman Hotel (£££, luxurious and centrally located), The Witchery by the Castle (££££, gothically themed), The Scholar (£, peaceful setting)

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Where To Stay in Edinburgh, Top Things to Do in Edinburgh

🌞 Morning

Start your morning with a leisurely climb to the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most historic street. On the way, stop off at The Milkman on Cockburn Street (pronounced Co-burn) for some delicious coffee and pastries for breakfast. 

While walking up the Royal Mile, make sure to stop at St Giles’ Cathedral and look for the Heart of Midlothian Mosaic in the pavement outside. Enjoy the views of the Tolbooth Kirk and the Witches Well before reaching Edinburgh Castle. 

Spend the rest of your morning exploring Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Royal Palace, where Scottish monarchs lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. Don’t miss the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain, and stick around long enough to see the One o’Clock Gun fire. 

⛅ Afternoon

For lunch, leave the castle and head to Makar’s Mash Bar. This restaurant specialises in mashed potatoes and is not to be missed. Once you’ve finished eating, walk over to The Real Mary King’s Close. Descend into a warren of underground tunnels with a tour guide who will lead you through 400 years of history. 

After your tour, continue walking down the Royal Mile. You might want to pick up some souvenirs on the way – the mile is full of tourist shops. At the bottom of the street, look out for the Scottish Parliament Building. 

If the weather is good and there’s plenty of daylight left, climb Arthur’s Seat. This hike is manageable for anyone of average fitness and can be completed within two hours. From there, enjoy views over the city. 

👉 Pro Tip: Tours of the Real Mary King’s Close sell out, so book several weeks in advance. 

🌙 Evening

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for dinner. From the summit of Arthur’s Seat, walk to Dalkeith Road to catch the number 2 bus, or if you have energy, walk through The Meadows to reach Ting Thai Teviot Place. 

This is a student neighbourhood, so after some food, go for drinks at the vegetarian Paradise Palms or catch a film showing in a bar at Brass Monkey.

Day 2 – Discover Edinburgh’s Cool Side

🛎️ Where to Stay: The Scotsman Hotel (£££, luxurious and centrally located), The Witchery by the Castle (££££, gothically themed), The Scholar (£, peaceful setting)

📍 Google Maps | Free Attractions in Edinburgh

🌞 Morning 

In the morning, head straight to Calton Hill for a short climb to some of the best views of Edinburgh. The steep route will take around 5 minutes, and the gentler path will take 20 minutes. The unfinished National Monument of Scotland is at the top of the hill – a failed replica of the Parthenon in Greece. 

Once you’ve descended Calton Hill, wander over to Stockbridge for breakfast at Artisan Roast. This is a great spot for some window shopping, so have a stroll through the beautiful Stockbridge streets. 

Next, find the Water of Leith walkway and follow it in the direction of Dean Village, a stunning former water mill village. Snap some picturesque photos on Deans Bridge. 

Keep walking along the Water of Leith until you reach the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One and Two. These twin modern art galleries are set in beautiful grounds with outdoor art pieces and are free to enter. Spend the rest of your morning admiring the art.

⛅ Afternoon

It’s been a busy morning, so it’s time to get lunch. Take a short walk to The Painted Rooster for classic sandwiches or bagels. 

After lunch, head down to Princes Street. If you’re lucky enough to have good weather, relax in Princes Street Gardens, which has the best views of Edinburgh Castle in the city. Also, look out for a statue of the bear who fought in the Second World War. Otherwise, it’s time to go shopping along Princes Street and the parallel George Street. 

Further along Princes Street, you’ll find the Scott Monument. You can pay to climb the almost 300 steps to the top of the monument, or you can admire it for free from the outside. 

If you have time before dinner, you can jump into the National Gallery of Scotland on Princes Street to see some of Scotland’s most iconic artworks. 

🌙 Evening

Now you’ll go to dinner at Chez Jules, a French diner which is a huge hit among locals. 

You will be spoilt for choice with traditional pubs to visit afterwards – I would recommend The Queens Arms. Have a nightcap here before heading to Inverness early in the morning. 

Day 3 – Experience Inverness and its surroundings

🛎️ Where to Stay: Kingsmills Hotel (££, spa facilities), Blackfriars (£££, centrally located), Redcliffe Hotel (££, historic building)

📍 Google Maps 

🌞 Morning 

Wake up early this morning and catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Inverness. The journey takes around 3 and a half hours, so settle in and enjoy the views. 

On arrival, cross the road to get to The Victorian Market. Check out the souvenir shops and have a fresh seafood lunch at The Redshank. 

⛅ Afternoon

Once you’ve eaten, take the bus out to Culloden Battlefield. This is the site of the last pitched battle on British soil, and the Culloden Visitor Centre displays artefacts from both sides of the conflict. Make sure to visit the 360-degree battle immersion theatre, and keep an eye out for Highland Cows grazing. 

Afterwards, walk for 30 minutes to the 4,000-year-old Clava Cairns. Next to the Bronze Age cemetery, there’s a medieval chapel, so visit there, too. Retrace your journey back to the city for dinner.

🌙 Evening

Take an evening stroll along the River Ness and spot Inverness Castle on the hill, overlooking the city. Then head to Urquhart’s Restaurant for a traditional Scottish dinner. I recommend the steak pie. 

For a memorable nightcap, cross the river to Hootananny. There’s live traditional music here each night and a great atmosphere. If you want a dance, head over to Johnny Foxes, which also has a live performance each night. 

Day 4 – Hike the Highlands

🛎️ Where to Stay: Ardlinnhe Bed & Breakfast (££, waterfront), Buccleuch Guest House (£££, Victorian style), Lawriestone Guest House (££, spacious gardens)

📍 Google Maps

🌞 Morning 

Start your morning right by heading to The Three Little Bakers for a breakfast roll before picking up a rental car. It’s time to go Nessie hunting. 

After a 15-minute drive to Dochgarroch, you’ll catch a two-hour Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal boat tour. This is the best way to see the loch and maybe even catch sight of the Loch Ness monster. You’ll be able to see Urquhart Castle and hear tales of the loch’s history from your guide.

⛅ Afternoon

Once you’ve disembarked from the boat, head back to the car and drive to the Falls of Foyers. This will involve doubling back to the outskirts of Inverness and travelling for around 40 minutes along the southern shore of Loch Ness. This road becomes a single track at some points, so make sure you’re comfortable with the rules of the road. 

At the falls, follow the pathway to two viewpoints of the 140-foot waterfall. If you want, you can continue down to the shores of Loch Ness, before returning to the town of Foyers for some lunch. Waterfall cafe serves a lovely collection of sandwiches and is right next to the car park.

🌙 Evening

Next, you’ll drive south for around 90 minutes, along the banks of Loch Lochy, to Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct was made internationally famous by its appearance in Harry Potter films – but note that most trains which pass over it are not steam-powered. 

Park at the Visitor Centre and walk to the west viewpoint for the best photos. You can also continue to a viewpoint of Loch Shiel before returning to your car. You’re now going to drive for half an hour to the town of Fort William, where you’ll stay for the night. 

For dinner, go to The Geographer. Fort William is a small town, so you’ll be able to walk to a pub for a well-earned nightcap. Try some craft beers at Black Isle Bar before calling it a night. 

Day 5 – Gaze at Glencoe

🛎️ Where to Stay: Ardlinnhe Bed & Breakfast (££, waterfront), Buccleuch Guest House (£££, Victorian style), Lawriestone Guest House (££, spacious gardens)

📍 Google Maps 

🌞 Morning 

Walk down to have some breakfast at The Kilted Camel and begin the day right. Next, drive a short distance to the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. The gondola operates all year round (weather dependent). Snowsports are available from late December until April, and hillwalking trails can be used during the rest of the year. 

You can rent snowsport equipment if skiing in winter, or take the gondola to the top of the mountain for some easy strolls with beautiful scenery all around. The walk to Sgurr Finnisg-aig, for example, has views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis. Spend the rest of your morning exploring here. 

⛅ Afternoon

When you’re finished skiing, biking, hiking, or generally having an adventure, take the gondola downhill and have lunch at The Pinemartin Cafe and Bar. Afterwards, drive for around 40 minutes south to Glencoe. Glencoe is a valley surrounded by mountain peaks, known for its beauty and mountaineering routes. 

Park at the Signal Rock parking for a woodland walk at An Torr. There are different trails for people of different abilities, with the Yellow trail accessible to all abilities. Enjoy a gentle walk here for up to two hours, depending on the trail. 

Afterwards, drive further into the glen to The Meeting of the Three Waters. Parking here can be tricky, but it’s worth it to see the waterfalls at the base of the Three Sisters mountains. The gorge here was also used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

🌙 Evening

After an action-packed day, it’s time to head back to Fort William for the night. For dinner, check out Crannog at Garrison West, which specialises in local seafood. If you still have any energy left, catch a film at the independent Highland Cinema. 

Day 6 – Arrive in Arran

🛎️ Where to Stay: The Douglas Hotel (££, near ferry port), The Corrie Hotel (£, near Goatfell)

📍 Google Maps 

🌞 Morning

Go for breakfast at The Old Deli early this morning, as it’s a driving day. Hit the road early and travel south on the A828 to Claonaig ferry port, where you’ll catch the boat to the Isle of Arran. The drive can take three hours or more, depending on road works, so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to catch the ferry. 

The ferry to Lochranza on Arran is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. Make sure to book your tickets in advance – these will be valid for any sailing on your chosen departure day, but spaces can be limited for cars, and you need to arrive early to guarantee a place. After a 30-minute voyage, you’ve made it to Arran.

⛅ Afternoon

When you’ve disembarked from the ferry, grab some lunch from The Sandwich Station to eat while looking out over the water. Next, walk or drive out to the peninsula to visit Lochranza Castle. 

If walking, be careful as there is no pavement. You can explore the grounds of this 13th-century castle without any tickets. 

Once you’ve finished at the castle, drive south for around 30 minutes down the west coast of Arran to the Machrie Moor Standing Stones. On the way, you can stop off at the Auchagallon Stone Circle Cairn, an ancient burial place built around 4,000 years ago. 

Then head to the even more impressive Machrie Moor standing stones, which also include burial cairns, hut circles, and a field system dating to between 3500 and 1500 BC. It’s a short walk from the car park to this atmospheric site, which transports you back thousands of years.

🌙 Evening

Your final drive of the day will be to the town of Brodick, on the west coast, which should only take around 15 minutes. In Brodick, visit La Truffe Noire for some truly fine dining. Booking in advance is highly recommended. 

Day 7 – Cycle Arran

🛎️ Where to Stay: The Douglas Hotel (££, near ferry port), The Corrie Hotel (£, near Goatfell)

📍 Google Maps 

🌞 Morning

This morning, walk down to Little Rock Cafe & Wee Deli for breakfast. Then, when you’re fuelled up, pick up some rental bikes from Arran Bike Hire. Book your bikes several days in advance and opt for an electric bike, unless you’re hardcore. 

Your first stop on your bike tour will be Brodick Castle. The castle is only 15 minutes away by bike. Explore the Victorian arcade in the interior of the castle, and stroll through ponds, waterfalls, and woodland trails in the gardens. 

⛅ Afternoon

The next stop on your bike trip will be at Mara Fish Bar & Deli in Corrie. Admire the views of the sea as you enjoy a seafood lunch here. Now it’s time for the longest stretch of cycling to Lochranza Distillery. The road becomes hilly after Sannox, which is where the e-bikes come in handy. 

At the distillery, take a guided tour or experience a whisky tasting of the range of Arran single malts. Of course, make sure you’re fit to cycle afterwards. Drams can be taken away instead of being drunk on the premises if you prefer. 

🌙 Evening

After the distillery experience, cycle the scenic route back to Brodick. On the way back, make sure to stop off to see the Rosaburn Ducks. 

For dinner, go to Brambles Seafood + Grill, followed by a stroll on the beachfront at Fishermans Walk. 

Day 8 – See Historic Glasgow

🛎️ Where to Stay: voco Grand Central (££, above train station), One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin (£££, luxury West End), Dakota Glasgow (£££, near nightlife)

📍 Google Maps | Top Things to Do in Glasgow

🌞 Morning

It’s an early start this morning as you’ll want to catch the first ferry from Brodick to Ardrossan harbour on the mainland. Ensure you arrive at the ferry more than 30 minutes before the sailing. The journey takes around an hour, so grab some breakfast on board. 

Once in Ardrossan, it’s a 50-minute drive to Glasgow. Start by returning your rental car – it’ll be more of a hindrance in the city. Catch the subway to Buchanan Street in Glasgow city centre, then walk to Glasgow Cathedral. This is the oldest building in Glasgow, and it’s free to enter. Check out St Mungo’s tomb in the crypt. 

In front of the cathedral is St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art and Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow. Stop in at both of these to see Glasgow’s medieval history. 

Afterwards, cross the Bridge of Sighs into Glasgow Necropolis. This cemetery is a popular attraction, with great views over Glasgow’s East End. 

⛅ Afternoon

From the Necropolis, walk 20 minutes along Duke Street to Coia’s Cafe for lunch. This is a Glasgow institution, with some of the best focaccia around. Their ice cream is also not to be missed. 

If you’re visiting Glasgow on a weekend, you’ll now walk or take the number 60 bus to The Barras Market. Every Saturday and Sunday, this is a hub of bric-a-brac stalls. There are also artists, designers, and sweets sellers – something for everyone.

If it’s a weekday, walk down to Glasgow Green and stroll along the River Clyde towards Merchant City. 

Head to Trongate to see Tolbooth Steeple, a historic clock tower. From here, you can explore the lively Merchant City area and walk up to see the historic Glasgow City Chambers in George Square. Stop off for a drink at the quirky and charming Waxy O’Connor’s pub. 

🌙 Evening

On your way to dinner, swing by the Gallery of Modern Art with its famous statue of the Duke of Wellington, which always has a traffic cone on its head. For food tonight, go to Katsu. This Japanese curry place is one of my go-to restaurants in Glasgow, and it never disappoints. 

If you fancy a last drink tonight, visit The Last Bookstore, which has a range of book-themed cocktails. 

Day 9 – Relax in Glasgow’s West End

🛎️ Where to Stay: voco Grand Central (££, above train station), One Devonshire Gardens a Hotel Du Vin (£££, luxury West End), Dakota Glasgow (£££, near nightlife)

📍 Google Maps | A Perfect Glasgow Itinerary

🌞 Morning

On your second day in Glasgow, you’ll stroll through the beautiful West End. In the morning, take the subway to Hillhead station. From there, walk to Pastéis Lisboa for some Portuguese pastries and a coffee, which you’ll bring to the Botanic Gardens. Wander the gardens with your breakfast or sit in the Kibble Palace greenhouse. 

After the gardens, hit up the independent craft shops on Cresswell Lane and stroll through the picturesque Ashton Lane. 

At the end of Ashton Lane, turn onto University Avenue until you reach the University of Glasgow’s main building. You can enter the grounds here and see the beautiful cloisters without a ticket – just enter through the front gate. 

At the rear of the main building, you’ll get a great view of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is your next stop today. 

⛅ Afternoon

Walk over the River Kelvin to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This is one of the most important museums in Glasgow. It houses a Spitfire plane, a Salvador Dali painting, and a giant stuffed elephant, among hundreds of other objects.

Try to make it to the museum by 1 pm Monday-Saturday or 3 pm on Sundays to hear the daily free organ recitals. 

Walk to Mother India’s Cafe for lunch. Indian restaurants are huge in the Glasgow culinary scene, and this is one of the best. 

Once you’ve finished lunch, you’ll take a short walk to the Riverside Museum. Like many museums in Glasgow, this is free to enter. It’s a vast collection of travel exhibits in a striking building made to look like waves on the river. You can spend the rest of the afternoon here. 

Make sure to exit the back of the building to take a look at the historic Tall Ship. Look east along the river to spot the distinctive Glasgow Tower, an architectural marvel. 

🌙 Evening

You’re going to head to the trendy neighbourhood of Finnieston this evening for dinner. Walk or catch the number 2 bus along Argyle Street and stop at Hidden Lane. This is a quirky little lane full of independent vintage shops and craft places. 

From there, walk over to Ox and Finch for dinner. This may be the highlight of your dining experience in Scotland. 

For a quirky post-food drink, head to Lebowskis. This pub is dedicated to the cult film The Big Lebowski and serves over 30 kinds of White Russians. 

Day 10 – See Stirling’s Charm

🛎️ Where to Stay: Fletcher’s Restaurant Bar & Rooms (££, central Stirling), Highland Gate, Stirling by Marston’s Inns (£, hill views), Stirling Highland Hotel (£££, spa facilities)

📍 Google Maps

🌞 Morning

This morning, catch a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. These are frequent and take around 30 minutes, with no advance booking required. 

Once in Stirling, have something to eat at Mato’s Cafe. You’ll need some energy for the walk up to Stirling Castle. After breakfast, climb the hill to Stirling Castle. This is one of the most impressive castles in Stirling, so you’ll want to spend most of your day here. 

There are frequent guided tours that explain the history of the castle, which dates back to at least the 12th century. Relax in the Queen Anne Gardens and look out for the Palace Vault. 

⛅ Afternoon

When you’ve had your fill of the castle, start walking back down the hill and stop in at the Church of the Holy Rude. This working church was the site of the coronation of King James VI in 1567. 

Take time to look at the Old Town Cemetery at the rear of the church, and look out for the striking Martyrs’ Memorial and Star Pyramid.

A little further down the hill is Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy. Have some classic pub food here and soak in the atmosphere. Also, stop off at The Book Nook, a charming new and secondhand book shop.

To get to your next attraction, you’ll need to get the 51 or 52 bus. You’re going to The Wallace Monument, an enormous Victorian stone tower commemorating Scottish historical legend William Wallace. 

This is a steep climb, but there is a regular shuttle bus up to the tower. The stairs inside the tower are very narrow, so this isn’t suitable for anyone with mobility issues.

At the tower, climb through the rooms and learn about the Scottish Wars of Independence. At the very top, you have incredible views over Stirling and the river where the Scottish army won a legendary battle against English forces. 

🌙 Evening

When you’ve left the Wallace Monument, get the bus back into Stirling city centre and have dinner at Brea, a traditional Scottish restaurant showcasing local food. 

And for your final nightcap on the itinerary, pop into the Curly Coo Bar. You won’t find anywhere better for a great whisky experience.

Scotland Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around in Scotland

Public transportation in Scotland differs massively between urban and rural areas. Most cities will have good bus services, and there are frequent trains and buses between cities. Edinburgh has a handy tram network, while Glasgow has a reliable underground and many train stations. 

In rural areas, public transport can be patchy or non-existent. It’s best to hire a car if you want to explore the Highlands or the Borders regions. When hiring a car, use Discover Cars to compare prices and find a great deal.

Rural roads can often be narrow or even single-track. For your safety, make sure to check the rules of the road before driving in Scotland and remember to drive on the left.

To visit the islands, you have to take a ferry. Skye is the only island with a bridge to the mainland. For some islands like Shetland, flying may be the best option. 

👉 Read Next: Essentials to Pack for Scotland

FAQs About Planning an Itinerary for Scotland

How many days is enough for Scotland?

You could spend months exploring Scotland, but 10 days is enough time to see many highlights of the country. In that time, you can visit some of the major cities and experience the Highlands. 

How can I spend 14 days in Scotland?

You can extend this itinerary to 14 days by adding a trip to Orkney, a group of islands off the north coast of Scotland. 

Spend three days exploring the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes four landmark prehistoric sites. You can fly or take a ferry to the islands. 

Spend another day of your trip in St Andrews, the home of golf. Play a few rounds or go for a wild swim in the North Sea. Also, make sure to visit the ruined St Andrews Cathedral.

What should I do on my first day in Scotland?

Take your first day in Scotland easy, particularly if you’ve arrived on a long-haul flight. Take a walk around the area where you’re staying and try some traditional Scottish food, like steak pie or haggis. 

I wouldn’t recommend driving on your first day in Scotland if you have jet lag. 

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🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

That’s it for my 10-day Scotland itinerary! Want a bit more guidance? Feel free to ask me a question in the comments.

Remember to adjust this itinerary to suit your preferences. You may find my guide to where to stay in Scotland helpful if you decide to visit a few places that aren’t on this itinerary.